A host of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Gladstone sailors came to Hervey Bay for the C.Q. I.O.M.Championships. 7 BritPoP’s 5 V10’s, 4 Blitz, 2 Kantun 2s, 1 Kantun S and a Sedici amongst other hull designs made up a fleet of 26.

For the 2 days of the ranking event, racing was sailed in a breeze that ranged from South-West to South-East and from very light to short periods at the top of A rig in strength. Wind variations at this time of year made for a challenge in setting a suitable course, but the high banks along the length of the lake, made for good viewing angles from the control area along the length of the course.

From the outset, the fickle winter wind played havoc with the fleet, causing many different finish orders. Most of the top 10 final placed skippers had at least 1 first place during the regatta. Conversely, most of them also spent time in the B fleet after finding themselves on the wrong side of an unexpected wind shift. Achieving consistent and top results seemed to be a combination of good concentration and more than a touch of good luck.

Aaron Farrar sailing a Britpop, the highest placed finisher from Gladstone, sailed a consistent regatta, not recording too many results outside the top 8, resulting in a 4th for the Regatta. Alan Walker with a Britpop, the sole entrant from the Gold Coast recorded 2 firsts to help his final result of 3rd. After winning the RM regatta in March this year, it was almost expected Greg Torpy would do well sailing a V10. Greg recorded a 2nd in the stellar fleet. Mike Freebairn was freed from work duties for the weekend, so brought his Sedici to the bay to demonstrate to everyone what it could do. Mike did not have a complete sweep of the series, but usually rounded the first top mark in the top half of the fleet and made ground to usually finish in the top 5.

Notable events include a rare ‘false starter’ under black flag conditions. This disqualification which was not excludable was given to David Brunston in a race after there were 2 general recalls on the second day. In the next A fleet race, at the top mark too many collisions to be accounted occurred and the race was abandoned. The following race, 4 boats tangled and appeared to be all joined together at the mast head, making a IOM pyramid. No race is the same, every race interesting in its own way.

Practical trophies of an engraved glass mug were given each to 1st, 2nd & 3rd. 360 sails sponsored 3 prizes of a 360 gift voucher, 360 shirt and a 360 mug. The host club gave a fuel voucher to a random draw sailor travelling to the venue. Scorer, David Black and Assistant Race Officer, Ian Ashe received gifts for travelling to assist in running the regatta. David Black presented a booby prise to the skipper with the most promotions & demotions.

Overall an enjoyable regatta was run, with visitors enjoying the warm hospitality of the host club.

The South East Queensland 10R regatta - June 17th 2018 attracted a diverse range of yachts, from the latest Sanga design, to a wide selection of other designs, both new and old. The wind ranged from very light in the morning, to blustery by the end of the day. By the late afternoon, several boats had suffered gear failure and were forced to retire, due to the strong winds

The strong breezes were making for some wild rides on the downwind leg, and a few high speed tangles at the the bottom gate. Special thanks goes to Laurie Hinchcliffe, who organized the event. Thanks also to Barry Hall and Roger Margot, who manned the rescue boat. Trent who put on a great barbecue lunch and Ian Ashe who was the PRO once again for the event. Thanks also to the other club members who gave up their Sunday and pitched in on the day.

Greg Torpy's new Sanga was the on-form boat on the day, winning all but one race, in which he placed second. Greg finished up with a score of 13 points. Trevor Fisher sailed hard and consistently all day, and captured second spot, with 33 points. Laurie came in third, just behind Trevor, on 35 points.

All in all, a very successful and enjoyable event, characterized by good racing and even tempers from the competing skippers.